President Bola Tinubu is expected to miss several All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rallies ahead of the 2027 general election, with party leaders and campaign council members scheduled to represent him in multiple states.
According to the campaign timetable reportedly released by the party, the re-election campaign is scheduled to commence in Kaduna State on October 24, 2026.
The schedule indicates that Tinubu will personally attend rallies in 12 states, while other APC leaders will oversee campaign activities in the remaining states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Among the states where the President is listed as absent are Ebonyi, scheduled for November 9; Jigawa on November 10; Ondo on November 11; Edo on November 12; Yobe on November 16; Kebbi on November 17; Akwa Ibom on November 18; and Anambra on November 19.
Other states where he is expected to miss campaign appearances include Cross River, Gombe, Nasarawa, Ekiti and Benue, among others.
Tinubu is, however, scheduled to attend rallies in Rivers on November 7, Plateau on November 14, Oyo on November 21, and Borno, Enugu and Bauchi later in November.
His campaign activities are expected to continue in December, with rallies planned for Sokoto, Delta and Kano. The timetable also lists Adamawa and Lagos for January 4 and January 9, 2027, respectively.
Explaining his anticipated absence from some campaign events, Tinubu reportedly said he would have to balance electioneering with his responsibilities as President.
Speaking during the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, he stressed the need to continue governing the country while the party’s campaign team mobilises support across the states.
However, opposition figures have criticised the plan, raising questions about the President’s willingness to appear before voters across the country.
The Allied Peoples Movement reportedly challenged Tinubu to attend rallies in all states or withdraw from the presidential race.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar also criticised the President’s position, arguing that Tinubu should account for his administration’s performance before seeking another term.
In a statement attributed to Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku questioned the administration’s record on the economy and the hardship faced by Nigerians.
He argued that Nigerians deserved answers on rising living costs, reduced purchasing power and difficulties accessing essential services before being asked to renew the President’s mandate.